Burel Gomillion, 54, of Scotch Plains, N.J., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023.
Burel was born in Brooklyn and raised in Walton. He graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta where he met the love of his life, Laura Martucci. After marrying in 1998 they moved to Scotch Plains where they raised their children, Jada and Evan. Burel was dedicated to his work as a certified financial planner with Wells Fargo Advisors for over 30 years.
Burel was a loving husband and father who above all valued his relationships with family and friends. He especially loved being a father, watching his children grow from birth to adulthood. Whatever his children were engaged in or aspired to achieve, Burel was always encouraging. He wholeheartedly supported his daughter as she pursued her graduate degree at Seton Hall and his son as he followed his passion playing soccer in Spain. He appreciated animals, including their five pets who were an extension of the family.
Growing up, Burel was an Eagle Scout, played football and basketball, and enjoyed the outdoors. He found pleasure, solace, and strength from nature, whether it was walking in the woods, skiing down a mountainside, listening to the rain, canoeing down a river, or snowmobiling across a frozen lake. Burel enjoyed many activities including snowmobiling, riding ATVs, traveling, attending NFL and NBA games, always sharing these experiences with those he loved. His passion for sports carried over to his children as he coached their baseball, basketball, and soccer teams. He loved to read, listen to rap and hip-hop music, watch movies, and eat all types of food. Burel was extremely well-read and knowledgeable on a variety of topics, and his family and friends truly valued his insights and perspectives.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all of those whose lives he touched.
Burel is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Jada, son Evan, mother Merrilee (Sayers), brother Milledge, and three sisters - Norina Mosby, Naomi Thompson (Erik), and Joy Stephenson (Darrel).
He was predeceased by his father, Burel Gomillion.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 4, from 4-7 p.m. at the Rossi Funeral Home in Scotch Plains with a Service of Remembrance at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Burel’s memory to Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care: cfhh.org/donate or 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076); CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children): www.bergencasa.org/donate or One Bergen County Plaza, Suite #347 Hackensack, NJ 07601
The family expresses their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
